The HoloLens is a natural medium for 3D data visualization, which offers a far more ideal approach over 2D screens to managing multiple resources simultaneously and grasping the bigger picture. We’ve already seen how management is using holograms to oversee cities, firefighters, and the military, and now training for sports teams is being addressed with VAR Football. At its core, VAR Football is a football training system that uses 360-degree videos and 3D rendered football players to provide immersive video training for real-life plays and to show off new plays virtually. This version has existed for over a year now, and is available form other companies working with football teams such as EON Sports VR and STRIVR. The two main modules in the system include:

Virtual Reality Video Training: Allows the coaches to put a 360-degree camera out on the field during a live practice session. After the session, the players can go back and watch the practice session on the HoloLens with the ability to see it from different angles providing considerably more information than a traditional 2D camera and screen. Virtual Reality 3D Training: Uses a PC to allow the coaches and trainers to enter new plays into the system. The players then have the ability, using a VR headset, to run those plays virtually.

So how is VAR Football differentiating itself from the others? Imran Shafiq, founder of Dangling Concepts, an indie game studio with a love for the HoloLens, was brought in by VAR Football to add a new element to this project—holograms.